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You know what happened on battlefield...but do you know what happened to the families and their homes in town? The Shriver House Museum is an award-winning Civil War museum dedicated to the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettysburg. The story is told through the eyes of the Shriver family whose ancestors settled in the area in the 1700s. While George Shriver served in the Union army, his wife, Hettie, was worried about the safety of their daughters, Mollie (5) and Sadie (7), as well as their home. When soldiers filled the streets of Gettysburg, Hettie chose to take her children back to her family's farm three miles south of town, by Big Round Top; she knew they would be out of harm's way there. Hettie could not know she jumped from the frying pan into the fire or that her unoccupied home would offer the Rebels an outstanding view of Union ground. It was quickly commandeered by Confederates to set up a sharpshooters' nest in the attic. Today the home of George and Hettie Shriver appears much the same way it did when it was built in 1860, just months before the Civil War began. Guides in period dress recount the harrowing story of the Shriver family's experiences as you walk through the Shrivers' home - including the Confederate sharpshooters nest in the attic and Shriver's Saloon in the cellar. The story of George Shriver was not well-known until 1996 when his house, which sat abandoned for nearly 30 years, was painstakingly restored to its original 1860s appearance. Today, the Shrivers' story is one of the most intriguing stories told when it comes to the civilian aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg.

About Shriver House Museum

You know what happened on battlefield...but do you know what happened to the families and their homes in town? The Shriver House Museum is an award-winning Civil War museum dedicated to the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettysburg. The story is told through the eyes of the Shriver family whose ancestors settled in the area in the 1700s. While George Shriver served in the Union army, his wife, Hettie, was worried about the safety of their daughters, Mollie (5) and Sadie (7), as well as their home. When soldiers filled the streets of Gettysburg, Hettie chose to take her children back to her family's farm three miles south of town, by Big Round Top; she knew they would be out of harm's way there. Hettie could not know she jumped from the frying pan into the fire or that her unoccupied home would offer the Rebels an outstanding view of Union ground. It was quickly commandeered by Confederates to set up a sharpshooters' nest in the attic. Today the home of George and Hettie Shriver appears much the same way it did when it was built in 1860, just months before the Civil War began. Guides in period dress recount the harrowing story of the Shriver family's experiences as you walk through the Shrivers' home - including the Confederate sharpshooters nest in the attic and Shriver's Saloon in the cellar. The story of George Shriver was not well-known until 1996 when his house, which sat abandoned for nearly 30 years, was painstakingly restored to its original 1860s appearance. Today, the Shrivers' story is one of the most intriguing stories told when it comes to the civilian aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg.

The house itself is OK, but our guide was a fantastic storyteller. She didn't embellish (to my knowledge), but definitely kept everyone in the group interested with her explanation of family life before, during, and after the war.
This is really worth visiting to understand...More

Having always been fascinated by the Civil War and in particular Gettysburg I realised my dream of visiting the town on my honeymoon recently.
As incredible as the battlefield and visitor centre was this really took me by surprise.
I had never really given much...More

After visiting the battlefield it was nice to get the civilian side of the story. The house has been well preserved and looks like it did during the battle. You tour all the levels of the home. Takes about 45 minutes. Also a great place...More

So enjoyed this tour of a personal home that was taken over by soldiers. Have heard all kinds of stories about soldiers on both sides, but this was about civilians and what the war was like for them, what they lost. The tour guide/story teller...More

The staff at The Shriver House were very informative and friendly! They made the experience great.
Tours are run periodically throughout the day and start in the gift shop. You then walk next-door to the actual Shriver House and receive information about the family, different...More

We first went to the Jennie Wade House and the lady there urged us to go Shriver House to go. That even though the Shriver Family was a very well off family that they too struggled through the Battle of Gettysburg. It was a totally...More

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Thank giantyankeefan7256

Nancie-Director, Owner at Shriver House Museum, responded to this reviewResponded 13 July 2017

It is so interesting to compare the lifestyle between the Jennie Wade House and the Shriver House. Two families of very different means, yet they both suffered greatly as a result of the Civil War. Glad you enjoyed both experiences. Thank you.

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